Signaling a maximum number of merge motion vector prediction candidates for inter prediction

ABSTRACT

A method for video encoding includes generating a first syntax element indicating a maximum number of merge motion vector prediction (MVP) candidates, and encoding the first syntax element at a first coding level in a coded video bitstream, the first coding level being higher than a picture parameter set (PPS) level. The video encoding method also includes transmitting the coded video bitstream including the first syntax element. The maximum number of merge MVP candidates indicated by the first syntax element is applicable for reconstructing coding blocks of the coded video bitstream associated with the first coding level.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The present application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/088,073, “DECODER SIDE INTRA MODE DERIVATION”filed on Nov. 3, 2020, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/960,930, “SIGNALING OF MAXIMUM NUMBER OFMERGE CANDIDATES FOR INTER PREDICTION” filed on Jan. 14, 2020. Thedisclosures of the prior applications are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure describes embodiments generally related to videocoding.

BACKGROUND

The background description provided herein is for the purpose ofgenerally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of thepresently named inventors, to the extent the work is described in thisbackground section, as well as aspects of the description that may nototherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neitherexpressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the presentdisclosure.

Video coding and decoding can be performed using inter-pictureprediction with motion compensation. Uncompressed digital video caninclude a series of pictures, each picture having a spatial dimensionof, for example, 1920×1080 luminance samples and associated chrominancesamples. The series of pictures can have a fixed or variable picturerate (informally also known as frame rate), of, for example 60 picturesper second or 60 Hz. Uncompressed video has significant bitraterequirements. For example, 1080p60 4:2:0 video at 8 bit per sample(1920×1080 luminance sample resolution at 60 Hz frame rate) requiresclose to 1.5 Gbit/s bandwidth. An hour of such video requires more than600 GBytes of storage space.

One purpose of video coding and decoding can be the reduction ofredundancy in the input video signal, through compression. Compressioncan help reduce the aforementioned bandwidth or storage spacerequirements, in some cases by two orders of magnitude or more. Bothlossless and lossy compression, as well as a combination thereof can beemployed. Lossless compression refers to techniques where an exact copyof the original signal can be reconstructed from the compressed originalsignal. When using lossy compression, the reconstructed signal may notbe identical to the original signal, but the distortion between originaland reconstructed signals is small enough to make the reconstructedsignal useful for the intended application. In the case of video, lossycompression is widely employed. The amount of distortion tolerateddepends on the application; for example, users of certain consumerstreaming applications may tolerate higher distortion than users oftelevision distribution applications. The compression ratio achievablecan reflect that: higher allowable/tolerable distortion can yield highercompression ratios.

Motion compensation can be a lossy compression technique and can relateto techniques where a block of sample data from a previouslyreconstructed picture or part thereof (reference picture), after beingspatially shifted in a direction indicated by a motion vector (MVhenceforth), is used for the prediction of a newly reconstructed pictureor picture part. In some cases, the reference picture can be the same asthe picture currently under reconstruction. MVs can have two dimensionsX and Y, or three dimensions, the third being an indication of thereference picture in use (the latter, indirectly, can be a timedimension).

In some video compression techniques, an MV applicable to a certain areaof sample data can be predicted from other MVs, for example from thoserelated to another area of sample data spatially adjacent to the areaunder reconstruction, and preceding that MV in decoding order. Doing socan substantially reduce the amount of data required for coding the MV,thereby removing redundancy and increasing compression. MV predictioncan work effectively, for example, because when coding an input videosignal derived from a camera (known as natural video) there is astatistical likelihood that areas larger than the area to which a singleMV is applicable move in a similar direction and, therefore, can in somecases be predicted using a similar motion vector derived from MVs ofneighboring area. That results in the MV found for a given area to besimilar or the same as the MV predicted from the surrounding MVs, andthat in turn can be represented, after entropy coding, in a smallernumber of bits than what would be used if coding the MV directly. Insome cases, MV prediction can be an example of lossless compression of asignal (namely: the MVs) derived from the original signal (namely: thesample stream). In other cases, MV prediction itself can be lossy, forexample because of rounding errors when calculating a predictor fromseveral surrounding MVs.

Various MV prediction mechanisms are described in H.265/HEVC (ITU-T Rec.H.265, “High Efficiency Video Coding”, December 2016). Out of the manyMV prediction mechanisms that H.265 offers, described here is atechnique henceforth referred to as “spatial merge”.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a current block (101) comprises samples that havebeen found by the encoder during the motion search process to bepredictable from a previous block of the same size that has beenspatially shifted. Instead of coding that MV directly, the MV can bederived from metadata associated with one or more reference pictures,for example from the most recent (in decoding order) reference picture,using the MV associated with either one of five surrounding samples,denoted A0, A1, and B0, B1, B2 (102 through 106, respectively). InH.265, the MV prediction can use predictors from the same referencepicture that the neighboring block is using.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the disclosure provide methods and apparatuses for videoencoding/decoding. In some examples, an apparatus for video decodingincludes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry can decode, froma coded video bitstream, a first syntax element signaled at a firstcoding level. The first syntax element can indicate a maximum number ofmerge motion vector prediction (MVP) candidates. The first coding levelcan be higher than a picture parameter set (PPS) level. The processingcircuitry can determine the maximum number of merge MVP candidates basedon the first syntax element. The processing circuitry can reconstructcoding blocks associated with the first coding level based at least onthe maximum number of merge MVP candidates.

In an embodiment, the processing circuitry can decode, from the codedvideo bitstream, a second syntax element, a third syntax element, and afourth syntax element signaled at the first coding level. The secondsyntax element can indicate a maximum number of geometric merge modemerge candidates, the third syntax element can indicate a maximum numberof subblock-based merge MVP candidates, and the fourth syntax elementcan indicate a maximum number of intra block copy (IBC) merge blockvector prediction (BVP) candidates. The processing circuitry candetermine (i) the maximum number of geometric merge mode mergecandidates based on the second syntax element, (ii) the maximum numberof subblock-based merge MVP candidates based on the third syntaxelement, and (iii) the maximum number of IBC merge BVP candidates basedon the fourth syntax element.

In an embodiment, the first coding level is a sequence level and thefirst syntax element is signaled in a sequence parameter set (SPS).

In an embodiment, the processing circuitry can decode, from the codedvideo bitstream and based on a condition being satisfied, a secondsyntax element signaled at a second coding level. The second syntaxelement can indicate a maximum number of merge candidates for one of ageometric merge mode, a subblock-based merge mode, and an intra blockcopy (IBC) merge mode. In an example, the one of the geometric mergemode, the subblock-based merge mode, and the IBC merge mode is thegeometric merge mode. The maximum number of merge candidates is amaximum number of geometric merge mode merge candidates. The secondsyntax element indicates the maximum number of geometric merge modemerge candidates. The condition is the geometric merge mode beingenabled at the second coding level and the maximum number of merge MVPcandidates being larger than or equal to 3. The processing circuitry candetermine the maximum number of geometric merge mode merge candidatesbased on the second syntax element.

In an example, the one of the geometric merge mode, the subblock-basedmerge mode, and the IBC merge mode is the subblock-based merge mode. Themaximum number of merge candidates is a maximum number of subblock-basedmerge MVP candidates. The second syntax element indicates the maximumnumber of subblock-based merge MVP candidates. The condition is anaffine mode being enabled at the second coding level. The processingcircuitry can determine the maximum number of subblock-based merge MVPcandidates based on the second syntax element. In an example, the secondsyntax element is modified at a coding level that is lower than thesecond coding level. In an example, the first coding level and thesecond coding level are a sequence level, and the coding level that islower than the second coding level is a picture level.

In an example, the one of the geometric merge mode, the subblock-basedmerge mode, and the IBC merge mode is the IBC merge mode. The maximumnumber of merge candidates is a maximum number of IBC merge block vectorprediction (BVP) candidates. The second syntax element indicates themaximum number of IBC merge BVP candidates. The condition is the IBCmerge mode being enabled at the second coding level. The processingcircuitry can determine the maximum number of IBC merge BVP candidatesbased on the second syntax element.

In an example, the first coding level and the second coding level are asequence level.

Aspects of the disclosure also provide a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium storing instructions which when executed by acomputer for video decoding cause the computer to perform the method forvideo decoding.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features, the nature, and various advantages of the disclosedsubject matter will be more apparent from the following detaileddescription and the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a current block and itssurrounding spatial merge candidates in one example.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a simplified block diagram of acommunication system (200) in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a simplified block diagram of acommunication system (300) in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a simplified block diagram of adecoder in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a simplified block diagram of anencoder in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of an encoder in accordance with anotherembodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of a decoder in accordance with anotherembodiment.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary geometric merge mode.

FIG. 9 shows exemplary syntax signaled in a picture parameter set (PPS).

FIG. 10 shows exemplary syntax signaled in a picture header.

FIG. 11 shows exemplary syntax signaled in a sequence parameter set(SPS).

FIG. 12 shows exemplary syntax signaled in a PPS.

FIG. 13 shows exemplary syntax signaled in a picture header.

FIG. 14 shows exemplary syntax signaled in a picture header.

FIG. 15 shows exemplary syntax in a picture header.

FIG. 16 shows exemplary syntax in a SPS.

FIG. 17 shows exemplary syntax in a SPS.

FIG. 18A shows exemplary syntax in a SPS.

FIG. 18B shows exemplary syntax in a picture header.

FIG. 19A shows exemplary syntax in a SPS.

FIG. 19B shows exemplary syntax in a picture header.

FIG. 20 shows exemplary syntax in a SPS.

FIG. 21 shows a flow chart outlining a process (2100) according to anembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 22 is a schematic illustration of a computer system in accordancewith an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 2 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a communication system(200) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Thecommunication system (200) includes a plurality of terminal devices thatcan communicate with each other, via, for example, a network (250). Forexample, the communication system (200) includes a first pair ofterminal devices (210) and (220) interconnected via the network (250).In the FIG. 2 example, the first pair of terminal devices (210) and(220) performs unidirectional transmission of data. For example, theterminal device (210) may code video data (e.g., a stream of videopictures that are captured by the terminal device (210)) fortransmission to the other terminal device (220) via the network (250).The encoded video data can be transmitted in the form of one or morecoded video bitstreams. The terminal device (220) may receive the codedvideo data from the network (250), decode the coded video data torecover the video pictures and display video pictures according to therecovered video data. Unidirectional data transmission may be common inmedia serving applications and the like.

In another example, the communication system (200) includes a secondpair of terminal devices (230) and (240) that performs bidirectionaltransmission of coded video data that may occur, for example, duringvideoconferencing. For bidirectional transmission of data, in anexample, each terminal device of the terminal devices (230) and (240)may code video data (e.g., a stream of video pictures that are capturedby the terminal device) for transmission to the other terminal device ofthe terminal devices (230) and (240) via the network (250). Eachterminal device of the terminal devices (230) and (240) also may receivethe coded video data transmitted by the other terminal device of theterminal devices (230) and (240), and may decode the coded video data torecover the video pictures and may display video pictures at anaccessible display device according to the recovered video data.

In the FIG. 2 example, the terminal devices (210), (220), (230) and(240) may be illustrated as servers, personal computers and smart phonesbut the principles of the present disclosure may be not so limited.Embodiments of the present disclosure find application with laptopcomputers, tablet computers, media players and/or dedicated videoconferencing equipment. The network (250) represents any number ofnetworks that convey coded video data among the terminal devices (210),(220), (230) and (240), including for example wireline (wired) and/orwireless communication networks. The communication network (250) mayexchange data in circuit-switched and/or packet-switched channels.Representative networks include telecommunications networks, local areanetworks, wide area networks and/or the Internet. For the purposes ofthe present discussion, the architecture and topology of the network(250) may be immaterial to the operation of the present disclosureunless explained herein below.

FIG. 3 illustrates, as an example for an application for the disclosedsubject matter, the placement of a video encoder and a video decoder ina streaming environment. The disclosed subject matter can be equallyapplicable to other video enabled applications, including, for example,video conferencing, digital TV, storing of compressed video on digitalmedia including CD, DVD, memory stick and the like, and so on.

A streaming system may include a capture subsystem (313), that caninclude a video source (301), for example a digital camera, creating forexample a stream of video pictures (302) that are uncompressed. In anexample, the stream of video pictures (302) includes samples that aretaken by the digital camera. The stream of video pictures (302),depicted as a bold line to emphasize a high data volume when compared toencoded video data (304) (or coded video bitstreams), can be processedby an electronic device (320) that includes a video encoder (303)coupled to the video source (301). The video encoder (303) can includehardware, software, or a combination thereof to enable or implementaspects of the disclosed subject matter as described in more detailbelow. The encoded video data (304) (or encoded video bitstream (304)),depicted as a thin line to emphasize the lower data volume when comparedto the stream of video pictures (302), can be stored on a streamingserver (305) for future use. One or more streaming client subsystems,such as client subsystems (306) and (308) in FIG. 3 can access thestreaming server (305) to retrieve copies (307) and (309) of the encodedvideo data (304). A client subsystem (306) can include a video decoder(310), for example, in an electronic device (330). The video decoder(310) decodes the incoming copy (307) of the encoded video data andcreates an outgoing stream of video pictures (311) that can be renderedon a display (312) (e.g., display screen) or other rendering device (notdepicted). In some streaming systems, the encoded video data (304),(307), and (309) (e.g., video bitstreams) can be encoded according tocertain video coding/compression standards. Examples of those standardsinclude ITU-T Recommendation H.265. In an example, a video codingstandard under development is informally known as Versatile Video Coding(VVC). The disclosed subject matter may be used in the context of VVC.

It is noted that the electronic devices (320) and (330) can includeother components (not shown). For example, the electronic device (320)can include a video decoder (not shown) and the electronic device (330)can include a video encoder (not shown) as well.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of a video decoder (410) according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. The video decoder (410) can beincluded in an electronic device (430). The electronic device (430) caninclude a receiver (431) (e.g., receiving circuitry). The video decoder(410) can be used in the place of the video decoder (310) in the FIG. 3example.

The receiver (431) may receive one or more coded video sequences to bedecoded by the video decoder (410); in the same or another embodiment,one coded video sequence at a time, where the decoding of each codedvideo sequence is independent from other coded video sequences. Thecoded video sequence may be received from a channel (401), which may bea hardware/software link to a storage device which stores the encodedvideo data. The receiver (431) may receive the encoded video data withother data, for example, coded audio data and/or ancillary data streams,that may be forwarded to their respective using entities (not depicted).The receiver (431) may separate the coded video sequence from the otherdata. To combat network jitter, a buffer memory (415) may be coupled inbetween the receiver (431) and an entropy decoder/parser (420) (“parser(420)” henceforth). In certain applications, the buffer memory (415) ispart of the video decoder (410). In others, it can be outside of thevideo decoder (410) (not depicted). In still others, there can be abuffer memory (not depicted) outside of the video decoder (410), forexample to combat network jitter, and in addition another buffer memory(415) inside the video decoder (410), for example to handle playouttiming. When the receiver (431) is receiving data from a store/forwarddevice of sufficient bandwidth and controllability, or from anisosynchronous network, the buffer memory (415) may not be needed, orcan be small. For use on best effort packet networks such as theInternet, the buffer memory (415) may be required, can be comparativelylarge and can be advantageously of adaptive size, and may at leastpartially be implemented in an operating system or similar elements (notdepicted) outside of the video decoder (410).

The video decoder (410) may include the parser (420) to reconstructsymbols (421) from the coded video sequence. Categories of those symbolsinclude information used to manage operation of the video decoder (410),and potentially information to control a rendering device such as arender device (412) (e.g., a display screen) that is not an integralpart of the electronic device (430) but can be coupled to the electronicdevice (430), as was shown in FIG. 4 . The control information for therendering device(s) may be in the form of Supplemental EnhancementInformation (SEI messages) or Video Usability Information (VUI)parameter set fragments (not depicted). The parser (420) mayparse/entropy-decode the coded video sequence that is received. Thecoding of the coded video sequence can be in accordance with a videocoding technology or standard, and can follow various principles,including variable length coding, Huffman coding, arithmetic coding withor without context sensitivity, and so forth. The parser (420) mayextract from the coded video sequence, a set of subgroup parameters forat least one of the subgroups of pixels in the video decoder, based uponat least one parameter corresponding to the group. Subgroups can includeGroups of Pictures (GOPs), pictures, tiles, slices, macroblocks, CodingUnits (CUs), blocks, Transform Units (TUs), Prediction Units (PUs) andso forth. The parser (420) may also extract from the coded videosequence information such as transform coefficients, quantizer parametervalues, motion vectors, and so forth.

The parser (420) may perform an entropy decoding/parsing operation onthe video sequence received from the buffer memory (415), so as tocreate symbols (421).

Reconstruction of the symbols (421) can involve multiple different unitsdepending on the type of the coded video picture or parts thereof (suchas: inter and intra picture, inter and intra block), and other factors.Which units are involved, and how, can be controlled by the subgroupcontrol information that was parsed from the coded video sequence by theparser (420). The flow of such subgroup control information between theparser (420) and the multiple units below is not depicted for clarity.

Beyond the functional blocks already mentioned, the video decoder (410)can be conceptually subdivided into a number of functional units asdescribed below. In a practical implementation operating undercommercial constraints, many of these units interact closely with eachother and can, at least partly, be integrated into each other. However,for the purpose of describing the disclosed subject matter, theconceptual subdivision into the functional units below is appropriate.

A first unit is the scaler/inverse transform unit (451). Thescaler/inverse transform unit (451) receives a quantized transformcoefficient as well as control information, including which transform touse, block size, quantization factor, quantization scaling matrices,etc. as symbol(s) (421) from the parser (420). The scaler/inversetransform unit (451) can output blocks comprising sample values, thatcan be input into aggregator (455).

In some cases, the output samples of the scaler/inverse transform (451)can pertain to an intra coded block; that is: a block that is not usingpredictive information from previously reconstructed pictures, but canuse predictive information from previously reconstructed parts of thecurrent picture. Such predictive information can be provided by an intrapicture prediction unit (452). In some cases, the intra pictureprediction unit (452) generates a block of the same size and shape ofthe block under reconstruction, using surrounding already reconstructedinformation fetched from the current picture buffer (458). The currentpicture buffer (458) buffers, for example, partly reconstructed currentpicture and/or fully reconstructed current picture. The aggregator(455), in some cases, adds, on a per sample basis, the predictioninformation the intra prediction unit (452) has generated to the outputsample information as provided by the scaler/inverse transform unit(451).

In other cases, the output samples of the scaler/inverse transform unit(451) can pertain to an inter coded, and potentially motion compensatedblock. In such a case, a motion compensation prediction unit (453) canaccess reference picture memory (457) to fetch samples used forprediction. After motion compensating the fetched samples in accordancewith the symbols (421) pertaining to the block, these samples can beadded by the aggregator (455) to the output of the scaler/inversetransform unit (451) (in this case called the residual samples orresidual signal) so as to generate output sample information. Theaddresses within the reference picture memory (457) from where themotion compensation prediction unit (453) fetches prediction samples canbe controlled by motion vectors, available to the motion compensationprediction unit (453) in the form of symbols (421) that can have, forexample X, Y, and reference picture components. Motion compensation alsocan include interpolation of sample values as fetched from the referencepicture memory (457) when sub-sample exact motion vectors are in use,motion vector prediction mechanisms, and so forth.

The output samples of the aggregator (455) can be subject to variousloop filtering techniques in the loop filter unit (456). Videocompression technologies can include in-loop filter technologies thatare controlled by parameters included in the coded video sequence (alsoreferred to as coded video bitstream) and made available to the loopfilter unit (456) as symbols (421) from the parser (420), but can alsobe responsive to meta-information obtained during the decoding ofprevious (in decoding order) parts of the coded picture or coded videosequence, as well as responsive to previously reconstructed andloop-filtered sample values.

The output of the loop filter unit (456) can be a sample stream that canbe output to the render device (412) as well as stored in the referencepicture memory (457) for use in future inter-picture prediction.

Certain coded pictures, once fully reconstructed, can be used asreference pictures for future prediction. For example, once a codedpicture corresponding to a current picture is fully reconstructed andthe coded picture has been identified as a reference picture (by, forexample, the parser (420)), the current picture buffer (458) can becomea part of the reference picture memory (457), and a fresh currentpicture buffer can be reallocated before commencing the reconstructionof the following coded picture.

The video decoder (410) may perform decoding operations according to apredetermined video compression technology in a standard, such as ITU-TRec. H.265. The coded video sequence may conform to a syntax specifiedby the video compression technology or standard being used, in the sensethat the coded video sequence adheres to both the syntax of the videocompression technology or standard and the profiles as documented in thevideo compression technology or standard. Specifically, a profile canselect certain tools as the only tools available for use under thatprofile from all the tools available in the video compression technologyor standard. Also necessary for compliance can be that the complexity ofthe coded video sequence is within bounds as defined by the level of thevideo compression technology or standard. In some cases, levels restrictthe maximum picture size, maximum frame rate, maximum reconstructionsample rate (measured in, for example megasamples per second), maximumreference picture size, and so on. Limits set by levels can, in somecases, be further restricted through Hypothetical Reference Decoder(HRD) specifications and metadata for HRD buffer management signaled inthe coded video sequence.

In an embodiment, the receiver (431) may receive additional (redundant)data with the encoded video. The additional data may be included as partof the coded video sequence(s). The additional data may be used by thevideo decoder (410) to properly decode the data and/or to moreaccurately reconstruct the original video data. Additional data can bein the form of, for example, temporal, spatial, or signal noise ratio(SNR) enhancement layers, redundant slices, redundant pictures, forwarderror correction codes, and so on.

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of a video encoder (503) according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. The video encoder (503) isincluded in an electronic device (520). The electronic device (520)includes a transmitter (540) (e.g., transmitting circuitry). The videoencoder (503) can be used in the place of the video encoder (303) in theFIG. 3 example.

The video encoder (503) may receive video samples from a video source(501) (that is not part of the electronic device (520) in the FIG. 5example) that may capture video image(s) to be coded by the videoencoder (503). In another example, the video source (501) is a part ofthe electronic device (520).

The video source (501) may provide the source video sequence to be codedby the video encoder (503) in the form of a digital video sample streamthat can be of any suitable bit depth (for example: 8 bit, 10 bit, 12bit, . . . ), any colorspace (for example, BT.601 Y CrCB, RGB, . . . ),and any suitable sampling structure (for example Y CrCb 4:2:0, Y CrCb4:4:4). In a media serving system, the video source (501) may be astorage device storing previously prepared video. In a videoconferencingsystem, the video source (501) may be a camera that captures local imageinformation as a video sequence. Video data may be provided as aplurality of individual pictures that impart motion when viewed insequence. The pictures themselves may be organized as a spatial array ofpixels, wherein each pixel can comprise one or more samples depending onthe sampling structure, color space, etc. in use. A person skilled inthe art can readily understand the relationship between pixels andsamples. The description below focuses on samples.

According to an embodiment, the video encoder (503) may code andcompress the pictures of the source video sequence into a coded videosequence (543) in real time or under any other time constraints asrequired by the application. Enforcing appropriate coding speed is onefunction of a controller (550). In some embodiments, the controller(550) controls other functional units as described below and isfunctionally coupled to the other functional units. The coupling is notdepicted for clarity. Parameters set by the controller (550) can includerate control related parameters (picture skip, quantizer, lambda valueof rate-distortion optimization techniques, . . . ), picture size, groupof pictures (GOP) layout, maximum motion vector search range, and soforth. The controller (550) can be configured to have other suitablefunctions that pertain to the video encoder (503) optimized for acertain system design.

In some embodiments, the video encoder (503) is configured to operate ina coding loop. As an oversimplified description, in an example, thecoding loop can include a source coder (530) (e.g., responsible forcreating symbols, such as a symbol stream, based on an input picture tobe coded, and a reference picture(s)), and a (local) decoder (533)embedded in the video encoder (503). The decoder (533) reconstructs thesymbols to create the sample data in a similar manner as a (remote)decoder also would create (as any compression between symbols and codedvideo bitstream is lossless in the video compression technologiesconsidered in the disclosed subject matter). The reconstructed samplestream (sample data) is input to the reference picture memory (534). Asthe decoding of a symbol stream leads to bit-exact results independentof decoder location (local or remote), the content in the referencepicture memory (534) is also bit exact between the local encoder andremote encoder. In other words, the prediction part of an encoder “sees”as reference picture samples exactly the same sample values as a decoderwould “see” when using prediction during decoding. This fundamentalprinciple of reference picture synchronicity (and resulting drift, ifsynchronicity cannot be maintained, for example because of channelerrors) is used in some related arts as well.

The operation of the “local” decoder (533) can be the same as of a“remote” decoder, such as the video decoder (410), which has alreadybeen described in detail above in conjunction with FIG. 4 . Brieflyreferring also to FIG. 4 , however, as symbols are available andencoding/decoding of symbols to a coded video sequence by an entropycoder (545) and the parser (420) can be lossless, the entropy decodingparts of the video decoder (410), including the buffer memory (415), andparser (420) may not be fully implemented in the local decoder (533).

An observation that can be made at this point is that any decodertechnology except the parsing/entropy decoding that is present in adecoder also necessarily needs to be present, in substantially identicalfunctional form, in a corresponding encoder. For this reason, thedisclosed subject matter focuses on decoder operation. The descriptionof encoder technologies can be abbreviated as they are the inverse ofthe comprehensively described decoder technologies. Only in certainareas a more detail description is required and provided below.

During operation, in some examples, the source coder (530) may performmotion compensated predictive coding, which codes an input picturepredictively with reference to one or more previously coded picture fromthe video sequence that were designated as “reference pictures.” In thismanner, the coding engine (532) codes differences between pixel blocksof an input picture and pixel blocks of reference picture(s) that may beselected as prediction reference(s) to the input picture.

The local video decoder (533) may decode coded video data of picturesthat may be designated as reference pictures, based on symbols createdby the source coder (530). Operations of the coding engine (532) mayadvantageously be lossy processes. When the coded video data may bedecoded at a video decoder (not shown in FIG. 5 ), the reconstructedvideo sequence typically may be a replica of the source video sequencewith some errors. The local video decoder (533) replicates decodingprocesses that may be performed by the video decoder on referencepictures and may cause reconstructed reference pictures to be stored inthe reference picture cache (534). In this manner, the video encoder(503) may store copies of reconstructed reference pictures locally thathave common content as the reconstructed reference pictures that will beobtained by a far-end video decoder (absent transmission errors).

The predictor (535) may perform prediction searches for the codingengine (532). That is, for a new picture to be coded, the predictor(535) may search the reference picture memory (534) for sample data (ascandidate reference pixel blocks) or certain metadata such as referencepicture motion vectors, block shapes, and so on, that may serve as anappropriate prediction reference for the new pictures. The predictor(535) may operate on a sample block-by-pixel block basis to findappropriate prediction references. In some cases, as determined bysearch results obtained by the predictor (535), an input picture mayhave prediction references drawn from multiple reference pictures storedin the reference picture memory (534).

The controller (550) may manage coding operations of the source coder(530), including, for example, setting of parameters and subgroupparameters used for encoding the video data.

Output of all aforementioned functional units may be subjected toentropy coding in the entropy coder (545). The entropy coder (545)translates the symbols as generated by the various functional units intoa coded video sequence, by lossless compressing the symbols according totechnologies such as Huffman coding, variable length coding, arithmeticcoding, and so forth.

The transmitter (540) may buffer the coded video sequence(s) as createdby the entropy coder (545) to prepare for transmission via acommunication channel (560), which may be a hardware/software link to astorage device which would store the encoded video data. The transmitter(540) may merge coded video data from the video coder (503) with otherdata to be transmitted, for example, coded audio data and/or ancillarydata streams (sources not shown).

The controller (550) may manage operation of the video encoder (503).During coding, the controller (550) may assign to each coded picture acertain coded picture type, which may affect the coding techniques thatmay be applied to the respective picture. For example, pictures oftenmay be assigned as one of the following picture types:

An Intra Picture (I picture) may be one that may be coded and decodedwithout using any other picture in the sequence as a source ofprediction. Some video codecs allow for different types of intrapictures, including, for example Independent Decoder Refresh (“IDR”)Pictures. A person skilled in the art is aware of those variants of Ipictures and their respective applications and features.

A predictive picture (P picture) may be one that may be coded anddecoded using intra prediction or inter prediction using at most onemotion vector and reference index to predict the sample values of eachblock.

A bi-directionally predictive picture (B Picture) may be one that may becoded and decoded using intra prediction or inter prediction using atmost two motion vectors and reference indices to predict the samplevalues of each block. Similarly, multiple-predictive pictures can usemore than two reference pictures and associated metadata for thereconstruction of a single block.

Source pictures commonly may be subdivided spatially into a plurality ofsample blocks (for example, blocks of 4×4, 8×8, 4×8, or 16×16 sampleseach) and coded on a block-by-block basis. Blocks may be codedpredictively with reference to other (already coded) blocks asdetermined by the coding assignment applied to the blocks' respectivepictures. For example, blocks of I pictures may be codednon-predictively or they may be coded predictively with reference toalready coded blocks of the same picture (spatial prediction or intraprediction). Pixel blocks of P pictures may be coded predictively, viaspatial prediction or via temporal prediction with reference to onepreviously coded reference picture. Blocks of B pictures may be codedpredictively, via spatial prediction or via temporal prediction withreference to one or two previously coded reference pictures.

The video encoder (503) may perform coding operations according to apredetermined video coding technology or standard, such as ITU-T Rec.H.265. In its operation, the video encoder (503) may perform variouscompression operations, including predictive coding operations thatexploit temporal and spatial redundancies in the input video sequence.The coded video data, therefore, may conform to a syntax specified bythe video coding technology or standard being used.

In an embodiment, the transmitter (540) may transmit additional datawith the encoded video. The source coder (530) may include such data aspart of the coded video sequence. Additional data may comprisetemporal/spatial/SNR enhancement layers, other forms of redundant datasuch as redundant pictures and slices, SEI messages, VUI parameter setfragments, and so on.

A video may be captured as a plurality of source pictures (videopictures) in a temporal sequence. Intra-picture prediction (oftenabbreviated to intra prediction) makes use of spatial correlation in agiven picture, and inter-picture prediction makes uses of the (temporalor other) correlation between the pictures. In an example, a specificpicture under encoding/decoding, which is referred to as a currentpicture, is partitioned into blocks. When a block in the current pictureis similar to a reference block in a previously coded and still bufferedreference picture in the video, the block in the current picture can becoded by a vector that is referred to as a motion vector. The motionvector points to the reference block in the reference picture, and canhave a third dimension identifying the reference picture, in casemultiple reference pictures are in use.

In some embodiments, a bi-prediction technique can be used in theinter-picture prediction. According to the bi-prediction technique, tworeference pictures, such as a first reference picture and a secondreference picture that are both prior in decoding order to the currentpicture in the video (but may be in the past and future, respectively,in display order) are used. A block in the current picture can be codedby a first motion vector that points to a first reference block in thefirst reference picture, and a second motion vector that points to asecond reference block in the second reference picture. The block can bepredicted by a combination of the first reference block and the secondreference block.

Further, a merge mode technique can be used in the inter-pictureprediction to improve coding efficiency.

According to some embodiments of the disclosure, predictions, such asinter-picture predictions and intra-picture predictions are performed inthe unit of blocks. For example, according to the HEVC standard, apicture in a sequence of video pictures is partitioned into coding treeunits (CTU) for compression, the CTUs in a picture have the same size,such as 64×64 pixels, 32×32 pixels, or 16×16 pixels. In general, a CTUincludes three coding tree blocks (CTBs), which are one luma CTB and twochroma CTBs. Each CTU can be recursively quadtree split into one ormultiple coding units (CUs). For example, a CTU of 64×64 pixels can besplit into one CU of 64×64 pixels, or 4 CUs of 32×32 pixels, or 16 CUsof 16×16 pixels. In an example, each CU is analyzed to determine aprediction type for the CU, such as an inter prediction type or an intraprediction type. The CU is split into one or more prediction units (PUs)depending on the temporal and/or spatial predictability. Generally, eachPU includes a luma prediction block (PB), and two chroma PBs. In anembodiment, a prediction operation in coding (encoding/decoding) isperformed in the unit of a prediction block. Using a luma predictionblock as an example of a prediction block, the prediction block includesa matrix of values (e.g., luma values) for pixels, such as 8×8 pixels,16×16 pixels, 8×16 pixels, 16×8 pixels, and the like.

FIG. 6 shows a diagram of a video encoder (603) according to anotherembodiment of the disclosure. The video encoder (603) is configured toreceive a processing block (e.g., a prediction block) of sample valueswithin a current video picture in a sequence of video pictures, andencode the processing block into a coded picture that is part of a codedvideo sequence. In an example, the video encoder (603) is used in theplace of the video encoder (303) in the FIG. 3 example.

In an HEVC example, the video encoder (603) receives a matrix of samplevalues for a processing block, such as a prediction block of 8×8samples, and the like. The video encoder (603) determines whether theprocessing block is best coded using intra mode, inter mode, orbi-prediction mode using, for example, rate-distortion optimization.When the processing block is to be coded in intra mode, the videoencoder (603) may use an intra prediction technique to encode theprocessing block into the coded picture; and when the processing blockis to be coded in inter mode or bi-prediction mode, the video encoder(603) may use an inter prediction or bi-prediction technique,respectively, to encode the processing block into the coded picture. Incertain video coding technologies, merge mode can be an inter pictureprediction submode where the motion vector is derived from one or moremotion vector predictors without the benefit of a coded motion vectorcomponent outside the predictors. In certain other video codingtechnologies, a motion vector component applicable to the subject blockmay be present. In an example, the video encoder (603) includes othercomponents, such as a mode decision module (not shown) to determine themode of the processing blocks.

In the FIG. 6 example, the video encoder (603) includes the interencoder (630), an intra encoder (622), a residue calculator (623), aswitch (626), a residue encoder (624), a general controller (621), andan entropy encoder (625) coupled together as shown in FIG. 6 .

The inter encoder (630) is configured to receive the samples of thecurrent block (e.g., a processing block), compare the block to one ormore reference blocks in reference pictures (e.g., blocks in previouspictures and later pictures), generate inter prediction information(e.g., description of redundant information according to inter encodingtechnique, motion vectors, merge mode information), and calculate interprediction results (e.g., predicted block) based on the inter predictioninformation using any suitable technique. In some examples, thereference pictures are decoded reference pictures that are decoded basedon the encoded video information.

The intra encoder (622) is configured to receive the samples of thecurrent block (e.g., a processing block), in some cases compare theblock to blocks already coded in the same picture, generate quantizedcoefficients after transform, and in some cases also intra predictioninformation (e.g., an intra prediction direction information accordingto one or more intra encoding techniques). In an example, the intraencoder (622) also calculates intra prediction results (e.g., predictedblock) based on the intra prediction information and reference blocks inthe same picture.

The general controller (621) is configured to determine general controldata and control other components of the video encoder (603) based onthe general control data. In an example, the general controller (621)determines the mode of the block, and provides a control signal to theswitch (626) based on the mode. For example, when the mode is the intramode, the general controller (621) controls the switch (626) to selectthe intra mode result for use by the residue calculator (623), andcontrols the entropy encoder (625) to select the intra predictioninformation and include the intra prediction information in thebitstream; and when the mode is the inter mode, the general controller(621) controls the switch (626) to select the inter prediction resultfor use by the residue calculator (623), and controls the entropyencoder (625) to select the inter prediction information and include theinter prediction information in the bitstream.

The residue calculator (623) is configured to calculate a difference(residue data) between the received block and prediction resultsselected from the intra encoder (622) or the inter encoder (630). Theresidue encoder (624) is configured to operate based on the residue datato encode the residue data to generate the transform coefficients. In anexample, the residue encoder (624) is configured to convert the residuedata from a spatial domain to a frequency domain, and generate thetransform coefficients. The transform coefficients are then subject toquantization processing to obtain quantized transform coefficients. Invarious embodiments, the video encoder (603) also includes a residuedecoder (628). The residue decoder (628) is configured to performinverse-transform, and generate the decoded residue data. The decodedresidue data can be suitably used by the intra encoder (622) and theinter encoder (630). For example, the inter encoder (630) can generatedecoded blocks based on the decoded residue data and inter predictioninformation, and the intra encoder (622) can generate decoded blocksbased on the decoded residue data and the intra prediction information.The decoded blocks are suitably processed to generate decoded picturesand the decoded pictures can be buffered in a memory circuit (not shown)and used as reference pictures in some examples.

The entropy encoder (625) is configured to format the bitstream toinclude the encoded block. The entropy encoder (625) is configured toinclude various information according to a suitable standard, such asthe HEVC standard. In an example, the entropy encoder (625) isconfigured to include the general control data, the selected predictioninformation (e.g., intra prediction information or inter predictioninformation), the residue information, and other suitable information inthe bitstream. Note that, according to the disclosed subject matter,when coding a block in the merge submode of either inter mode orbi-prediction mode, there is no residue information.

FIG. 7 shows a diagram of a video decoder (710) according to anotherembodiment of the disclosure. The video decoder (710) is configured toreceive coded pictures that are part of a coded video sequence, anddecode the coded pictures to generate reconstructed pictures. In anexample, the video decoder (710) is used in the place of the videodecoder (310) in the FIG. 3 example.

In the FIG. 7 example, the video decoder (710) includes an entropydecoder (771), an inter decoder (780), a residue decoder (773), areconstruction module (774), and an intra decoder (772) coupled togetheras shown in FIG. 7 .

The entropy decoder (771) can be configured to reconstruct, from thecoded picture, certain symbols that represent the syntax elements ofwhich the coded picture is made up. Such symbols can include, forexample, the mode in which a block is coded (such as, for example, intramode, inter mode, bi-predicted mode, the latter two in merge submode oranother submode), prediction information (such as, for example, intraprediction information or inter prediction information) that canidentify certain sample or metadata that is used for prediction by theintra decoder (772) or the inter decoder (780), respectively, residualinformation in the form of, for example, quantized transformcoefficients, and the like. In an example, when the prediction mode isinter or bi-predicted mode, the inter prediction information is providedto the inter decoder (780); and when the prediction type is the intraprediction type, the intra prediction information is provided to theintra decoder (772). The residual information can be subject to inversequantization and is provided to the residue decoder (773).

The inter decoder (780) is configured to receive the inter predictioninformation, and generate inter prediction results based on the interprediction information.

The intra decoder (772) is configured to receive the intra predictioninformation, and generate prediction results based on the intraprediction information.

The residue decoder (773) is configured to perform inverse quantizationto extract de-quantized transform coefficients, and process thede-quantized transform coefficients to convert the residual from thefrequency domain to the spatial domain. The residue decoder (773) mayalso require certain control information (to include the QuantizerParameter (QP)), and that information may be provided by the entropydecoder (771) (data path not depicted as this may be low volume controlinformation only).

The reconstruction module (774) is configured to combine, in the spatialdomain, the residual as output by the residue decoder (773) and theprediction results (as output by the inter or intra prediction modulesas the case may be) to form a reconstructed block, that may be part ofthe reconstructed picture, which in turn may be part of thereconstructed video. It is noted that other suitable operations, such asa deblocking operation and the like, can be performed to improve thevisual quality.

It is noted that the video encoders (303), (503), and (603), and thevideo decoders (310), (410), and (710) can be implemented using anysuitable technique. In an embodiment, the video encoders (303), (503),and (603), and the video decoders (310), (410), and (710) can beimplemented using one or more integrated circuits. In anotherembodiment, the video encoders (303), (503), and (503), and the videodecoders (310), (410), and (710) can be implemented using one or moreprocessors that execute software instructions.

Aspects of the disclosure are related to video coding technologies, suchas signaling of length(s) of various merge candidate list(s) forrespective inter prediction coding tools, such as a regular merge mode,a subblock-based merge mode, an intra-block copy (IBC) merge mode, and ageometric merge mode (GEO), that are, for example, beyond HEVC and usedin VVC.

The geometric merge mode (also referred to as a geometric partitioningmode) can support a plurality of different partitioning manners. FIG. 8shows an exemplary geometric merge mode. In the geometric merge mode,the CU (800) can be partitioned into two partitions, partitions 1-2divided by a line or an edge (810). Each of the two partitions can haveany suitable shape, such as a triangle, a trapezoid, a pentagon, or thelike.

Merge candidates for inter prediction can be effective in video coding,such as in HEVC and VVC. In an embodiment, such as in VVC, fourdifferent merge candidate lists (or merge lists) can be present andconstructed in an encoder and a decoder side. The four merge candidatelists can include a merge candidate list (or a first merge candidate)for the regular merge mode, a merge candidate list (or a second mergecandidate) for the geometric merge mode, a merge candidate list (or athird merge candidate) for the subblock-based merge mode, and a mergecandidate list (or a fourth merge candidate) for the IBC merge mode.

Compared to related technology (such as certain technologies in HEVC),the first merge candidate list for the regular merge mode can beextended to include more varieties of merge candidates. In addition, amaximum number of merge candidates (or merge motion vector prediction(MVP) candidates) in the first merge candidate list can be extended, forexample, from 5 to 6. The maximum number of merge MVP candidates in thefirst merge candidate list can be signaled in a picture parameter set(PPS) at a PPS level or in a picture header at a picture level.

FIG. 9 shows a first PPS level parameter (e.g.,pps_six_minus_max_num_merge_cand_plus1) signaled in the PPS. The firstPPS level parameter can indicate the maximum number of merge MVPcandidates. FIG. 10 shows a first picture level parameter (e.g.,pic_six_minus_max_num_merge_cand) signaled in the picture header. Thefirst picture level parameter can indicate the maximum number of mergeMVP candidates (MaxNumMergeCand).

A first syntax element can indicate the maximum number of merge MVPcandidates signaled at a corresponding coding level. For example, thefirst syntax element refers to the first PPS level parameter signaled atthe PPS level or the first picture level parameter signaled at thepicture level.

The first PPS level parameter (e.g.,pps_six_minus_max_num_merge_cand_plus1) being equal to 0 can specifythat the first picture level parameter (e.g.,pic_six_minus_max_num_merge_cand) is present (or signaled) in pictureheaders referring to the PPS. The first PPS level parameter (e.g.,pps_six_minus_max_num_merge_cand_plus1) being greater than 0 can specifythat the first picture level parameter (e.g.,pic_six_minus_max_num_merge_cand) is not present (or is not signaled) inpicture headers referring to the PPS. A value of the first PPS levelparameter (e.g., pps_six_minus_max_num_merge_cand_plus1) can be in therange of 0 to 6, inclusive. When the first PPS level parameter (e.g.,pps_six_minus_max_num_merge_cand_plus1) is not present, the first PPSlevel parameter (e.g., pps_six_minus_max_num_merge_cand_plus1) can beinferred to be equal to 0.

The first picture level parameter (e.g.,pic_six_minus_max_num_merge_cand) can specify the maximum number ofmerge MVP candidates (MaxNumMergeCand) supported in slices associatedwith the picture header subtracted from 6. The maximum number of mergeMVP candidates (MaxNumMergeCand) can be determined using Eq. 1.

MaxNumMergeCand=6−pic_six_minus_max_num_merge_cand  (Eq. 1)

The value of MaxNumMergeCand can be in the range of 1 to 6, inclusive.When the first picture level parameter is not present, a value of thefirst picture level parameter (e.g., pic_six_minus_max_num_merge_cand)can be inferred to be equal to the first PPS level parameter (e.g.,pps_six_minus_max_num_merge_cand_plus1)−1.

The geometric merge mode can be enabled or disabled in a sequence levelusing a SPS syntax element in a sequence parameter set (SPS). In anexample, the SPS syntax element is a first sequence level flag (e.g., asps_geo_enabled_flag). FIG. 11 shows the first sequence level flag(e.g., the sps_geo_enabled_flag) signaled in the SPS.

The first sequence level flag (e.g., the sps_geo_enabled_flag) canspecify whether the geometric merge mode based motion compensation canbe used for inter prediction. The first sequence level flag (e.g., thesps_geo_enabled_flag) being equal to 0 can specify that the syntax shallbe constrained such that no geometric merge mode based motioncompensation is used in a coded layer video sequence (CLVS), andgeometric merge mode related syntax elements are not present in codingunit syntax of the CLVS. The first sequence level flag (e.g., the spsgeo enabled flag) being equal to 1 can specify that geometric merge modebased motion compensation can be used in the CLVS.

Parameter(s) indicating a maximum number of geometric merge mode mergecandidates (MaxNumGeoMergeCand) can be signaled explicitly at the PPSlevel or picture level.

FIG. 12 shows exemplary syntax signaled in a PPS. The syntax includes asecond PPS level parameter (e.g.,pps_max_num_merge_cand_minus_max_num_geo_cand_plus1) indicating themaximum number of geometric merge mode merge candidates. FIG. 13 showsexemplary syntax signaled in a picture header. The syntax includes asecond picture level parameter (e.g.,pic_max_num_merge_cand_minus_max_num_geo_cand) indicating the maximumnumber of geometric merge mode merge candidates.

A second syntax element can indicate the maximum number of geometricmerge mode merge candidates signaled at a corresponding coding level.For example, the second syntax element refers to the second PPS levelparameter signaled at the PPS level or the second picture levelparameter signaled at the picture level.

The second PPS level parameter (e.g.,pps_max_num_merge_cand_minus_max_num_geo_cand_plus1) being equal to 0can specify that the second picture level parameter (e.g.,pic_max_num_merge_cand_minus_max_num_geo_cand) is present or signaled inpicture headers of slices referring to the PPS. The second PPS levelparameter (e.g., pps_max_num_merge_cand_minus_max_num_geo_cand_plus1)being greater than 0 can specify that the second picture level parameter(e.g., pic_max_num_merge_cand_minus_max_num_geo_cand) is not present inpicture headers referring to the PPS. A value of the second PPS levelparameter (e.g., pps_max_num_merge_cand_minus_max_num_geo_cand_plus1)can be in a range of 0 to MaxNumMergeCand−1. When the second PPS levelparameter (e.g., pps_max_num_merge_cand_minus_max_num_geo_cand_plus1) isnot present, the second PPS level parameter can be inferred to be equalto 0.

The second picture level parameter (e.g.,pic_max_num_merge_cand_minus_max_num_geo_cand) can specify the maximumnumber of geometric merge mode merge candidates supported in the slicesassociated with the picture header subtracted from the maximum number ofmerge MVP candidates (MaxNumMergeCand).

When the second picture level parameter is not present, the firstsequence level flag (e.g., the sps_geo_enabled_flag) is equal to 1, andthe maximum number of merge MVP candidates (MaxNumMergeCand) is greaterthan or equal to 2, the second picture level parameter (e.g.,pic_max_num_merge_cand_minus_max_num_geo_cand) can be inferred to beequal to (the second PPS level parameter−1) (e.g.,pps_max_num_merge_cand_minus_max_num_geo_cand_plus−1).

The maximum number of geometric merge mode merge candidates(MaxNumGeoMergeCand) can be determined based on the maximum number ofmerge MVP candidates (MaxNumMergeCand) and the second picture levelparameter (e.g., pic_max_num_merge_cand_minus_max_num_geo_cand), forexample, using Eq. 2.

MaxNumGeoMergeCand=MaxNumMergeCand−pic_max_num_merge_cand_minus_max_num_geo_cand  (Eq.2)

When the second picture level parameter (e.g.,pic_max_num_merge_cand_minus_max_num_geo_cand) is present (i.e.,signaled), a value of MaxNumGeoMergeCand can be in a range of 2 toMaxNumMergeCand, inclusive.

When the second picture level parameter (e.g.,pic_max_num_merge_cand_minus_max_num_geo_cand) is not present (i.e., isnot signaled) and one of (i) the first sequence level flag (e.g., thesps_geo_enabled_flag) is equal to 0 and (ii) the maximum number of mergeMVP candidates (MaxNumMergeCand) is less than 2 is satisfied, themaximum number of geometric merge mode merge candidates(MaxNumGeoMergeCand) cam be set to be equal to 0.

When the maximum number of geometric merge mode merge candidates(MaxNumGeoMergeCand) is equal to 0, the geometric merge mode is notallowed for the slices associated with the picture header.

The second PPS level parameter (e.g.,pps_max_num_merge_cand_minus_max_num_geo_cand_plus1), the second picturelevel parameter (e.g., pic_max_num_merge_cand_minus_max_num_geo_cand),and the maximum number of merge MVP candidates (MaxNumMergeCand) can beused to determine the maximum number of geometric merge mode mergecandidates (MaxNumGeoMergeCand). The maximum number of geometric mergemode merge candidates (MaxNumGeoMergeCand) can be designated to notexceed the value of MaxNumMergeCand. The value of MaxNumGeoMergeCand canvary, for example, depending on specific applications. PPS signaling canbe effective when the value of MaxNumGeoMergeCand does not varyfrequently, and thus does not need to be signaled for each picture. Onthe other hand, picture header signaling can be effective whenMaxNumGeoMergeCand changes frequently, for example, from one picture toanother picture.

FIG. 14 shows exemplary syntax signaled in a picture header. The syntaxincludes a third picture level parameter signaled in the picture header(e.g., pic_five_minus_max_num_subblock_merge_cand1) indicating a maximumnumber of subblock-based merge MVP candidates (MaxNumSubblockMergeCand)(also referred to as a maximum number of merge candidates for thesubblock-based merge mode).

A third syntax element can indicate the maximum number of subblock-basedmerge MVP candidates signaled at a corresponding coding level. Forexample, the third syntax element refers to the third picture levelparameter signaled at the picture level.

The third picture level parameter (e.g.,pic_five_minus_max_num_subblock_merge_cand) can specify the maximumnumber of subblock-based merge MVP candidates supported in a slicesubtracted from a value of 5. When the third picture level parameter isnot present (or is not signaled), a value of the third picture levelparameter (e.g., pic_five_minus_max_num_subblock_merge_cand) can beinferred to be equal to (5−(sps_sbtmvp_enabled_flag &&pic_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag)). In an example, thesps_sbtmvp_enabled_flag is a SPS level flag indicating whether a SBTMVPmode is enabled at the SPS level. In an example, thepic_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag is a picture level flag indicating whethera temporal MVP mode is enabled at the picture level.

The maximum number of subblock-based merge MVP candidates(MaxNumSubblockMergeCand) can be determined based on the third picturelevel parameter, for example (e.g.,pic_five_minus_max_num_subblock_merge_cand), using Eq. 3.

MaxNumSubblockMergeCand=5−pic_five_minus_max_num_subblock_merge_cand  (Eq.3)

A value of the maximum number of subblock-based merge MVP candidates(MaxNumSubblockMergeCand) can be in a range of 0 to 5, inclusive.

FIG. 15 shows exemplary syntax signaled in a picture header. The syntaxincludes a fourth picture level parameter (e.g.,pic_six_minus_max_num_ibc_merge_cand) indicating a maximum number of IBCmerge block vector prediction (BVP) candidates (MaxNumIbcMergeCand) forthe IBC merge mode.

A fourth syntax element can indicate the maximum number of IBC merge BVPcandidates signaled at a corresponding coding level. For example, thefourth syntax element refers to the fourth picture level parametersignaled at the picture level.

The fourth picture level parameter (e.g.,pic_six_minus_max_num_ibc_merge_cand) can specify the maximum number ofIBC merge BVP candidates supported in slices associated with the pictureheader subtracted from a value of 6. The maximum number of IBC merge BVPcandidates (MaxNumIbcMergeCand) can be determined based on the fourthpicture level parameter (e.g., pic_six_minus_max_num_ibc_merge_cand),for example, using Eq. 4.

MaxNumIbcMergeCand=6−pic_six_minus_max_num_ibc_merge_cand  (Eq. 4)

A value of the maximum number of IBC merge BVP candidates(MaxNumIbcMergeCand) can be in a range of 1 to 6, inclusive.

The syntax elements can include the first syntax element, the secondsyntax element, the third syntax element, the fourth syntax element, andthe like. As described above, the first syntax element can indicate themaximum number of merge MVP candidates signaled at a correspondingcoding level (e.g., a coding level higher than a slice level or apicture level) and thus the first syntax element can indicate a lengthof merge MVP candidate list for the regular merge mode. The merge MVPcandidate list can include merge MVP candidates for the regular mergemode. For example, the first syntax element refers to the first PPSlevel parameter signaled at the PPS level or the first picture levelparameter signaled at the picture level.

The second syntax element can indicate the maximum number of geometricmerge mode merge candidates signaled at a corresponding coding level(e.g., a coding level higher than a slice level or a picture level) andthus the second syntax element can indicate a length of geometric mergemode merge candidate list for the geometric merge mode. The geometricmerge mode merge candidate list can include geometric merge mode mergecandidates for the geometric merge mode. For example, the second syntaxelement refers to the second PPS level parameter signaled at the PPSlevel or the second picture level parameter signaled at the picturelevel.

The third syntax element can indicate the maximum number ofsubblock-based merge MVP candidates signaled at a corresponding codinglevel (e.g., a coding level higher than a slice level or a picturelevel) and thus the third syntax element can indicate a length ofsubblock-based merge MVP candidate list for the subblock-based mergemode. The subblock-based merge MVP candidate list can includesubblock-based merge MVP candidates for the subblock-based merge mode.For example, the third syntax element refers to the third picture levelparameter signaled at the picture level.

The fourth syntax element can indicate the maximum number of IBC mergeBVP candidates signaled at a corresponding coding level (e.g., a codinglevel higher than a slice level or a picture level) and thus the fourthsyntax element can indicate a length of IBC merge BVP candidate list (orIBC merge candidate list) for the IBC merge mode. The IBC merge BVPcandidate list can include IBC merge BVP candidates for the IBC mergemode. For example, the fourth syntax element refers to the fourthpicture level parameter signaled at the picture level.

According to aspects of the disclosure, the first syntax elementsignaled at a first coding level can be decoded from a coded videobitstream. The first syntax element can indicate the maximum number ofmerge MVP candidates. The first coding level can be any suitable codinglevel, for example, higher than a slice level. In an example, the firstcoding level is higher than a PPS level. The maximum number of merge MVPcandidates can be determined based on the first syntax element, forexample, based on Eq. 5. Subsequently, coding blocks associated with thefirst coding level can be reconstructed based at least on the maximumnumber of merge MVP candidates. In an example, the first coding level isa sequence level and the first syntax element is signaled in a SPS. Thecoding efficiency can increase and a signaling overhead can decreasewhen the first coding level increases from a lower coding level (e.g.,the PPS level) to a higher coding level (e.g., the sequence level).

According to aspects of the disclosure, one or more of the syntaxelements related to length(s) of corresponding merge candidate lists(e.g., the merge MVP candidate list, the geometric merge mode mergecandidate list, the subblock-based merge MVP candidate list, the IBCmerge BVP candidate list, and/or the like) can be signaled in the firstcoding level. The first coding level can be any suitable coding level.In an example, the first coding level is higher than a slice level or apicture level. In an example, the first coding level is higher than thePPS level. The one or more of the syntax elements can include the firstsyntax element.

In an embodiment, the one or more of the syntax elements include thefirst syntax element, the second syntax element, the third syntaxelement, and the fourth syntax element and are signaled in the SPS atthe sequence level. In an example the first syntax element, the secondsyntax element, the third syntax element, and the fourth syntax elementdo not change in the first coding level. In an example, the first codinglevel is the sequence level. When certain syntax elements, such as theone or more of the syntax elements including the first syntax element,the second syntax element, the third syntax element, and the fourthsyntax element, do not change at the sequence level, signaling thecertain syntax elements at the sequence level instead of at a lowercoding level (e.g., a PPS level, a picture level, or a slice level) canincrease coding efficiency and/or decrease a signaling overhead.

In an embodiment, the second syntax element, the third syntax element,and the fourth syntax element can be signaled at the first coding leveland can be decoded from the coded video bitstream. The second syntaxelement can indicate the maximum number of geometric merge mode mergecandidates, the third syntax element can indicate the maximum number ofsubblock-based merge MVP candidates, and the fourth syntax element canindicate the maximum number of IBC merge BVP candidates. The maximumnumber of geometric merge mode merge candidates can be determined basedon the second syntax element, the maximum number of subblock-based mergeMVP candidates can be determined based on the third syntax element, andthe maximum number of IBC merge BVP candidates can be determined basedon the fourth syntax element.

FIG. 16 shows exemplary syntax elements in the SPS. The syntax elementsinclude the first syntax element (e.g., six_minus_max_num_merge_cand),the second syntax element (e.g.,max_num_merge_cand_minus_max_num_geo_cand), the third syntax element(e.g., five_minus_max_num_subblock_merge_cand), and the fourth syntaxelement (e.g., six_minus_max_num_ibc_merge_cand).

The first syntax element (e.g., six_minus_max_num_merge_cand) canspecify the maximum number of merge MVP candidates supported in the SPSsubtracted from a value of 6. The maximum number of merge MVP candidates(MaxNumMergeCand) can be determined based on the first syntax element(e.g., six_minus_max_num_merge_cand), for example, based on Eq. 5.

MaxNumMergeCand=6−six_minus_max_num_merge_cand  (Eq. 5)

A value of MaxNumMergeCand can be in a range of 1 to 6, inclusive.

The second syntax element (e.g.,max_num_merge_cand_minus_max_num_geo_cand) can specify the maximumnumber of geometric merge mode merge candidates supported in the SPSsubtracted from MaxNumMergeCand.

The maximum number of geometric merge mode merge candidates(MaxNumGeoMergeCand) can be determined based on the second syntaxelement and the maximum number of merge MVP candidates, for example,using Eq. 6.

MaxNumGeoMergeCand=MaxNumMergeCand−max_num_merge_cand_minus_max_num_geo_cand  (Eq.6)

When the second syntax element (e.g.,max_num_merge_cand_minus_max_num_geo_cand) is present (or is signaled),a value of the maximum number of geometric merge mode merge candidates(MaxNumGeoMergeCand) can be in a range of 2 to the maximum number ofmerge MVP candidates (MaxNumMergeCand), inclusive.

The third syntax element (e.g., five_minus_max_num_subblock_merge_cand)can specify the maximum number of subblock-based merge MVP candidatessupported in the SPS subtracted from a value of 5.

The maximum number of subblock-based merge MVP candidates(MaxNumSubblockMergeCand) can be determined based on the third syntaxelement (e.g., five_minus_max_num_subblock_merge_cand), for example,using Eq. 7.

MaxNumSubblockMergeCand=5−five_minus_max_num_subblock_merge_cand  (Eq.7)

A value of MaxNumSubblockMergeCand can be in a range of 0 to 5,inclusive.

The fourth syntax element (e.g., six_minus_max_num_ibc_merge_cand) canspecify the maximum number of IBC merge BVP candidates supported in theSPS subtracted from a value of 6. The maximum number of IBC merge BVPcandidates (MaxNumIbcMergeCand) can be determined based on the fourthsyntax element (e.g., six_minus_max_num_ibc_merge_cand), for example,using Eq. 8.

MaxNumIbcMergeCand=6−six_minus_max_num_ibc_merge_cand  (Eq. 8)

A value of MaxNumIbcMergeCand can be in a range of 0 to 6, inclusive.

In an example, the syntax elements including the first syntax element,the second syntax element, the third syntax element, and the fourthsyntax element are signaled in the PPS. Thus, the first syntax element,the second syntax element, the third syntax element, and the fourthsyntax element may not change within the PPS, and can change from afirst PPS to a second PPS.

According to aspects of the disclosure, one or more of the syntaxelements related to the length(s) of corresponding merge candidateslist(s) can be conditionally signaled, for example, based on whether acorresponding inter prediction coding tool (or inter coding tool) isenabled. In an embodiment, the first syntax element indicate the maximumnumber of merge MVP candidates (or the length of merge MVP candidatelist for the regular merge mode) is signaled, and remaining syntaxelements (e.g., the second syntax element, the third syntax element, thefourth syntax element, and the like) related to the lengths of othermerge candidate lists may or may not be signaled. Accordingly, anenabling flag for a specific inter coding tool can be used to controlsignaling of the corresponding syntax element related to the length ofmerge candidate list for the specific inter coding tool. Thus, in someexamples, when the enabling flag for the specific inter coding toolindicates that the specific inter coding tool is disabled, thecorresponding syntax element is not signaled, thus increasing codingefficiency and/or decreasing a signaling overhead.

In an embodiment, a syntax element signaled at a second coding level canbe decoded from the coded video bitstream and based on a condition beingsatisfied. The syntax element can indicate a maximum number of mergecandidates for one of the geometric merge mode, the subblock-based mergemode, the IBC merge mode, and the like.

In an example, the one of the geometric merge mode, the subblock-basedmerge mode, and the IBC merge mode is the geometric merge mode. Themaximum number of merge candidates is the maximum number of geometricmerge mode merge candidates. The syntax element is the second syntaxelement indicating the maximum number of geometric merge mode mergecandidates. Referring to a box (1712) in FIG. 17 , the condition is thegeometric merge mode being enabled at the second coding level and themaximum number of merge MVP candidates being larger than or equal to 3.The maximum number of geometric merge mode merge candidates can bedetermined based on the second syntax element.

In an example, the one of the geometric merge mode, the subblock-basedmerge mode, and the IBC merge mode is the subblock-based merge mode. Themaximum number of merge candidates is the maximum number ofsubblock-based merge MVP candidates. The syntax element is the thirdsyntax element indicating the maximum number of subblock-based merge MVPcandidates. Referring to a box (1710) in FIG. 17 , the condition is anaffine mode being enabled at the second coding level. The maximum numberof subblock-based merge MVP candidates can be determined based on thethird syntax element.

In an example, the one of the geometric merge mode, the subblock-basedmerge mode, and the IBC merge mode is the IBC merge mode. The maximumnumber of merge candidates is the maximum number of IBC merge BVPcandidates. The syntax element is the fourth syntax element indicatingthe maximum number of IBC merge BVP candidates. Referring to a box(1711) in FIG. 17 , the condition is the IBC merge mode being enabled atthe second coding level. The maximum number of IBC merge BVP candidatescan be determined based on the fourth syntax element.

In an example, the first syntax element indicating the length of mergeMVP candidate list is signaled in the SPS, and the second syntax elementindicating the length of the geometric merge mode merge candidate list,the third syntax element indicating the length of the subblock-basedmerge MVP candidate list, and the fourth syntax element indicating thelength of the IBC merge candidate list are signaled conditionally, forexample, at the sequence level as shown in FIG. 17 .

Referring to FIG. 17 , the first syntax element (e.g.,six_minus_max_num_merge_cand) is signaled in the SPS. As describedabove, the first syntax element (e.g., six_minus_max_num_merge_cand) canspecify the maximum number of merge MVP candidates supported in the SPSsubtracted from a value of 6. The maximum number of merge MVP candidates(MaxNumMergeCand) can be determined based on the first syntax element(e.g., six_minus_max_num_merge_cand), for example, based on Eq. 5. Thevalue of MaxNumMergeCand can be in the range of 1 to 6, inclusive.

Referring to the box (1712) in FIG. 17 , the second syntax element(e.g., max_num_merge_cand_minus_max_num_geo_cand) can be signaled whenthe first sequence level flag (e.g., the sps geo enabled flag) is equalto 1 and the maximum number of merge MVP candidates (MaxNumMergeCand) islarger than or equal to 3. In an example, the first sequence level flag(e.g., the sps_geo_enabled_flag) being equal to 1 indicates that thegeometric merge mode is enabled at the sequence level.

The second syntax element (e.g.,max_num_merge_cand_minus_max_num_geo_cand) can specify the maximumnumber of geometric merge mode merge candidates supported in the SPSsubtracted from MaxNumMergeCand.

The maximum number of GEO merge mode candidates (MaxNumGeoMergeCand) canbe determined using Eq. 6.

When the second syntax element (e.g.,max_num_merge_cand_minus_max_num_geo_cand) is present, the value of themaximum number of GEO merge mode candidates (MaxNumGeoMergeCand) can bein the range of 2 to the maximum number of merge MVP candidate(MaxNumMergeCand), inclusive.

When the second syntax element (e.g.,max_num_merge_cand_minus_max_num_geo_cand) is not present, the firstsequence level flag (e.g., the sps_geo_enabled_flag) is equal to 1, andthe maximum number of merge MVP candidate (MaxNumMergeCand) is equal to2, the maximum number of GEO merge mode candidates (MaxNumGeoMergeCand)can be set to 2.

When the second syntax element (e.g.,max_num_merge_cand_minus_max_num_geo_cand) is not present (or is notsignaled) and one of (i) the first sequence level flag (e.g., thesps_geo_ enabled_flag) is equal to 0 and (ii) the maximum number ofmerge MVP candidates (MaxNumMergeCand) is less than 2 is satisfied, themaximum number of geometric merge mode merge candidates(MaxNumGeoMergeCand) can be set to be equal to 0.

Referring to the box (1710) in FIG. 17 , the third syntax element (e.g.,five_minus_max_num_subblock_merge_cand) can be signaled when a secondsequence level flag (e.g., a sps_affine_enabled_flag) is equal to 1. Inan example, the second sequence level flag (e.g., thesps_affine_enabled_flag) being equal to 1 indicates that an affine modeis enabled at the sequence level.

The third syntax element (e.g., five_minus_max_num_subblock_merge_cand)can specify the maximum number of subblock-based merge MVP candidatessupported in the SPS subtracted from a value of 5. When the third syntaxelement is not present, the value of the third syntax element (e.g.,five_minus_max_num_subblock_merge_cand) can be inferred to be equal to(5−sps_sbtmvp_enabled_flag).

The maximum number of subblock-based merge MVP candidates(MaxNumSubblockMergeCand) can be determined based on Eq. 7.

The value of MaxNumSubblockMergeCand can be in the range of 0 to 5,inclusive.

Referring to the box (1711) in FIG. 17 , the fourth syntax element(e.g., six_minus_max_num_ibc_merge_cand) can be signaled when a thirdsequence level flag (e.g., a sps ibc enabled flag) is equal to 1. In anexample, the third sequence level flag (e.g., the sps_ibc_enabled_flag)being equal to 1 indicates that the IBC merge mode is enabled at thesequence level.

The fourth syntax element (e.g., six_minus_maxnum_ibc_merge_cand) canspecify the maximum number of IBC merge zBVP candidates supported in theSPS subtracted from a value of 6. The maximum number of IBC merge BVPcandidates (MaxNumIbcMergeCand) can be determined based on the fourthsyntax element (e.g., six_minus_max_num_ibc_merge_cand), for example,using Eq. 8.

When the fourth syntax element (e.g., six_minus_max_num_ibc_merge_cand)is not present, MaxNumIbcMergeCand can be equal to 0.

The value ofa MaxNumIbcMergeCand can be in the range of 0 to 6,inclusive.

In an example, as shown in FIG. 17 , the first syntax element issignaled in the first coding level (e.g., the sequence level), and thesecond syntax element, the third syntax element, and the fourth syntaxelement are conditionally signaled in the second coding level (e.g., thesequence level). Alternatively, the first syntax element is signaled inthe first coding level (e.g., the sequence level), and one or more of(i) the second syntax element, (ii) the third syntax element, (iii) thefourth syntax element, and/or other syntax element are conditionallysignaled in the second coding level (e.g., the sequence level). Thefirst coding level can be identical to or higher than the second codinglevel. In an example, the first coding level and the second coding levelare the sequence level.

In an embodiment, the first syntax element indicating the length ofmerge MVP candidate list is signaled in the first coding level, and thesecond syntax element indicating the length of the geometric merge modemerge candidate list, the third syntax element indicating the length ofthe subblock-based merge MVP candidate list, and the fourth syntaxelement indicating the length of the IBC merge candidate list aresignaled conditionally in the first coding level. In an example, thefirst coding level is higher than a slice level (or a slice header), apicture level (or a picture header), or the like. In an example, thefirst coding level is the sequence level.

Certain syntax elements (e.g., the first syntax element) do not changeat the first coding level (e.g., the sequence level) and remain constantfor pictures, slices, and/or the like within a sequence. Thus, thecertain syntax elements can be signaled at the first coding level (e.g.,a high coding level) instead of at a coding level that is lower than thefirst coding level, for example, to improve coding efficiency and/orreduce a signaling overhead. Other syntax elements (e.g., the thirdsyntax element) can change at the first coding level, and thus can besignaled at the second coding level (e.g., a low coding level) that islower than the first coding level, for example, to increase flexibility.For example, the first coding level is the sequence level, the thirdsyntax element changes within a sequence and does not change within apicture, and thus is signaled at the picture level (e.g., the secondcoding level).

In an embodiment, the first syntax element indicating the length ofmerge MVP candidate list is signaled in the first coding level, and thesecond syntax element indicating the length of the geometric merge modemerge candidate list and the fourth syntax element indicating the lengthof the IBC merge candidate list are signaled conditionally in the firstcoding level. Other syntax element(s) indicating the length(s) of othermerge candidate lists, such as the third syntax element indicating thelength of the subblock-based merge MVP candidate list, can be signaledin the second coding level that is lower than the first coding level. Inan example, the first coding level is the sequence level, and the secondcoding level is the PPS level, the picture level, or the slice level.

In an example, only the first syntax element, the second syntax element,and the fourth syntax element are signaled in the SPS at the sequencelevel. Other syntax element(s) indicating the length(s) of other mergecandidate lists are signaled in a level (e.g., the picture level) thatis lower than the sequence level. The other syntax element(s) caninclude the third syntax element. In an example, the third syntaxelement changes within the SPS, for example, from a first picture to asecond picture, and thus the third syntax element is signaled at thepicture level for each picture to have better flexibility.

FIG. 18A shows that the first syntax element, the second syntax element,and the fourth syntax element (e.g., six_minus_max_num_ibc_merge_cand)are signaled in the SPS at the sequence level. FIG. 18B shows that thethird syntax element is signaled in the picture header at the picturelevel. The syntax elements shown in FIGS. 18A-18B can be applicablewhere the first syntax element (e.g., six_minus_max_num_merge_cand), thesecond syntax element (e.g., max_num_merge_cand_minus_max_num_geo_cand),and the fourth syntax element do not change at the sequence level andthe third syntax element (e.g., five_minus_max_num_subblock_merge_cand)can change within a sequence.

In an embodiment, the first syntax element indicating the length ofmerge MVP candidate list remains unchanged (e.g., cannot be updated,overridden, or modified) at a coding level that is lower than the firstcoding level. The second syntax element and the fourth syntax elementthat are conditionally signaled at the second coding level remainunchanged (e.g., cannot be updated, overridden, or modified) at a codinglevel that is lower than the second coding level. In an example, onlysyntax element(s) indicating the length(s) of other merge candidatelist(s) that exclude any one of the merge MVP candidate list, thegeometric merge mode merge candidate list, and the IBC merge candidatelist may be updated, overridden, or modified in the coding level that islower than the second coding level. In an example, the third syntaxelement that is conditionally signaled at the second coding level ismodified at a coding level that is lower than the second coding level.For example, the third syntax element that is conditionally signaled atthe second coding level (e.g., the sequence level) is modified at thepicture level.

In an example, only the third syntax element indicating the length ofthe subblock-based merge candidate list can be modified, overridden, orupdated in the coding level (e.g., the picture level) that is lower thanthe first coding level (e.g., the sequence level).

FIG. 19A shows that the first syntax element, the second syntax element,and the fourth syntax element (e.g., six_minus_max_num_ibc_merge_cand)are signaled in the SPS at the sequence level and remain unchanged atthe sequence level. FIGS. 19A-19B show that the third syntax element issignaled in the SPS at the sequence level and can be further modified inthe picture header at the picture level. The syntax elements shown inFIGS. 19A-19B can be applicable where the first syntax element (e.g.,six_minus_max_num_merge_cand), the second syntax element (e.g.,max_num_merge_cand_minus_max_num_geo_cand), and the fourth syntaxelement do not change at the sequence level and the third syntax element(e.g., five_minus_max_num_subblock_merge_cand) can be modified from onepicture to another picture.

When the third syntax element (e.g.,five_minus_max_num_subblock_merge_cand) is not present in the SPS, andboth the pic_temporal_mvp_enabled_flag and the sps_sbtmvp_enabled_flagare equal to 1, the maximum number of subblock-based merge MVPcandidates (MaxNumSubblockMergeCand) can be equal to 1 for slicesassociated the current picture header.

According to aspects of the disclosure, when one or more of the firstsyntax element, the second syntax element, the third syntax element, andthe fourth syntax element are signaled at the first coding level (e.g.,the sequence level), for example, higher than the slice level or thepicture level. The one or more of the first syntax element, the secondsyntax element, the third syntax element, and the fourth syntax elementcannot be updated, overridden, or modified at a coding level (e.g., thePPS level, the picture level, or the slice level) lower than the firstcoding level (e.g., the sequence level).

In an example, the first syntax element, the second syntax element, thethird syntax element, and the fourth syntax element are signaled in theSPS at the sequence level, and the first syntax element, the secondsyntax element, the third syntax element, and the fourth syntax elementcannot be updated, overridden, or modified in a coding level (e.g., thePPS level, the picture level, or the slice level) lower than thesequence level.

In an example, the first syntax element, the second syntax element, thethird syntax element, and the fourth syntax element are signaled in thePPS at the PPS level, and the first syntax element, the second syntaxelement, the third syntax element, and the fourth syntax element cannotbe updated, overridden, or modified in a coding level (e.g., the picturelevel, or the slice level) lower than the PPS level.

According to aspects of the disclosure, additional syntax element(s) canbe used to further indicate the presence of one or more of the syntaxelements related to the lengths of the various merge candidate lists.

In an example, as indicated by a box (2010) in FIG. 20 , a syntaxelement or a flag (e.g., a six_minus_max_num_ibc_merge_cand_presentflag) indicating the presence of the fourth syntax element related tothe length of IBC merge BVP candidate list is used to further indicatewhether the fourth syntax element is present, as shown in FIG. 20 .Accordingly, the presence of the fourth syntax element is conditionallydetermined based on the syntax element (e.g., asix_minus_max_num_ibc_merge_cand_present flag) in addition to the thirdsequence level flag (e.g., the sps_ibc_enabled_flag). The fourth syntaxelement is conditionally signaled based on the syntax element (e.g., asix_minus_max_num_ibc_merge_cand_present flag) and the third sequencelevel flag (e.g., the sps_ibc_enabled_flag). The above description canbe suitably adapted to the signaling of the other syntax elements, suchas the second syntax element, the third syntax element, and/or the like.

The first syntax element (e.g., six_minus_max_num_merge_cand) canspecify the maximum number of merge MVP candidates supported in the SPSsubtracted from a value of 6. The maximum number of merge MVP candidates(MaxNumMergeCand) can be determined based on Eq. 5 as described above.The value of MaxNumMergeCand can be in the range of 1 to 6, inclusive.

The second syntax element (e.g.,max_num_merge_cand_minus_max_num_geo_cand) can specify the maximumnumber of geometric merge mode merge candidates supported in the SPSsubtracted from MaxNumMergeCand.

The maximum number of geometric merge mode merge candidates(MaxNumGeoMergeCand) can be determined based on Eq. 6 as describedabove.

When max_num_merge_cand_minus_max_num_geo_cand is present, the value ofMaxNumGeoMergeCand can be in the range of 2 to MaxNumMergeCand,inclusive.

When max_num_merge_cand_minus_max_num_geo_cand is not present, and thesps_geo_enabled_flag is equal to 1 and MaxNumMergeCand is equal to 2,MaxNumGeoMergeCand is set to be equal to 2.

When max_num_merge_cand_minus_max_num_geo_cand is not present, and (thesps_geo_enabled_flag is equal to 0 or MaxNumMergeCand is less than 2),MaxNumGeoMergeCand is set to be equal to 0.

The third syntax element (e.g., five_minus_max_num_subblock_merge_cand)can specify the maximum number of subblock-based merge MVP candidatessupported in the SPS subtracted from a value of 5. When the secondsyntax element is not present, the value offive_minus_max_num_subblock_merge_cand can be inferred to be equal to(5−sps_sbtmvp_enabled_flag).

The maximum number of subblock-based merge MVP candidates(MaxNumSubblockMergeCand) can be determined based on Eq. 7 as describedabove.

The value of MaxNumSubblockMergeCand can be in the range of 0 to 5,inclusive.

The syntax element, the six_minus_max_num_ibc_merge_cand_present flag,can specify the presence of the maximum number of IBC merge BVPcandidates. When the six_minus_max_num_ibc_merge_cand_present flag isnot present, the six_minus_max_num_ibc_merge_cand_present flag can beinferred to be 0. When the six_minus_max_num_ibc_merge_cand_present flagis present, the fourth syntax element (e.g.,six_minus_max_num_ibc_merge_cand) is present in the bitstream.

The fourth syntax element (e.g., six_minus_max_num_ibc_merge_cand) canspecify the maximum number of IBC merge BVP candidates supported in theSPS subtracted from a value of 6. The maximum number of IBC merge BVPcandidates (MaxNumIbcMergeCand) can be determined using Eq. 8.

When the fourth syntax element (e.g., six_minus_max_num_ibc_merge_cand)is not present, MaxNumIbcMergeCand can be equal to 0.

The value of MaxNumIbcMergeCand can be in the range of 1 to 6,inclusive.

FIG. 21 shows a flow chart outlining a process (2100) according to anembodiment of the disclosure. The process (2100) can be used insignaling various syntax elements indicating maximum numbers of mergecandidates, such as the maximum number of merge MVP candidates, themaximum number of geometric merge mode merge candidates, the maximumnumber of subblock-based merge MVP candidates, the maximum number of IBCmerge BVP candidates, and/or the like. In various embodiments, theprocess (2100) is executed by processing circuitry, such as theprocessing circuitry in the terminal devices (210), (220), (230) and(240), the processing circuitry that performs functions of the videoencoder (303), the processing circuitry that performs functions of thevideo decoder (310), the processing circuitry that performs functions ofthe video decoder (410), the processing circuitry that performsfunctions of the video encoder (503), and the like. In some embodiments,the process (2100) is implemented in software instructions, thus whenthe processing circuitry executes the software instructions, theprocessing circuitry performs the process (2100). The process starts at(S2101) and proceeds to (S2110).

At (S2110), the first syntax element signaled at the first coding levelcan be decoded from a coded video bitstream. The first syntax elementcan indicate the maximum number of merge motion vector prediction (MVP)candidates. The first coding level can be higher than a pictureparameter set (PPS) level. In an example, the first coding level is asequence level.

At (S2120), the maximum number of merge MVP candidates can be determinedbased on the first syntax element.

At (S2130), coding blocks associated with the first coding level can bereconstructed based at least on the maximum number of merge MVPcandidates. The process (2100) proceeds to (S2199), and terminates.

The process (2100) can be suitably adapted. Step(s) in the process(2100) can be modified and/or omitted. Additional step(s) can be added.Any suitable order of implementation can be used.

In some examples, additional syntax elements, such as one or more of thesecond syntax element, the third syntax element, and the fourth syntaxelement can be signaled or conditionally signaled. Accordingly, themaximum number of geometric merge mode merge candidates can bedetermined based on the second syntax element, the maximum number ofsubblock-based merge MVP candidates can be determined based on the thirdsyntax element, and the maximum number of IBC merge BVP candidates canbe determined based on the fourth syntax element.

Embodiments in the disclosure may be used separately or combined in anyorder. Further, each of the methods (or embodiments), an encoder, and adecoder may be implemented by processing circuitry (e.g., one or moreprocessors or one or more integrated circuits). In one example, the oneor more processors execute a program that is stored in a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium. The methods (or embodiments), an encoder, anda decoder in the disclosure can increase coding efficiency and/or reducea signaling overhead as described above.

The techniques described above, can be implemented as computer softwareusing computer-readable instructions and physically stored in one ormore computer-readable media. For example, FIG. 22 shows a computersystem (2200) suitable for implementing certain embodiments of thedisclosed subject matter.

The computer software can be coded using any suitable machine code orcomputer language, that may be subject to assembly, compilation,linking, or like mechanisms to create code comprising instructions thatcan be executed directly, or through interpretation, micro-codeexecution, and the like, by one or more computer central processingunits (CPUs), Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), and the like.

The instructions can be executed on various types of computers orcomponents thereof, including, for example, personal computers, tabletcomputers, servers, smartphones, gaming devices, internet of thingsdevices, and the like.

The components shown in FIG. 22 for computer system (2200) are exemplaryin nature and are not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scopeof use or functionality of the computer software implementingembodiments of the present disclosure. Neither should the configurationof components be interpreted as having any dependency or requirementrelating to any one or combination of components illustrated in theexemplary embodiment of a computer system (2200).

Computer system (2200) may include certain human interface inputdevices. Such a human interface input device may be responsive to inputby one or more human users through, for example, tactile input (such as:keystrokes, swipes, data glove movements), audio input (such as: voice,clapping), visual input (such as: gestures), olfactory input (notdepicted). The human interface devices can also be used to capturecertain media not necessarily directly related to conscious input by ahuman, such as audio (such as: speech, music, ambient sound), images(such as: scanned images, photographic images obtain from a still imagecamera), video (such as two-dimensional video, three-dimensional videoincluding stereoscopic video).

Input human interface devices may include one or more of (only one ofeach depicted): keyboard (2201), mouse (2202), trackpad (2203), touchscreen (2210), data-glove (not shown), joystick (2205), microphone(2206), scanner (2207), camera (2208).

Computer system (2200) may also include certain human interface outputdevices. Such human interface output devices may be stimulating thesenses of one or more human users through, for example, tactile output,sound, light, and smell/taste. Such human interface output devices mayinclude tactile output devices (for example tactile feedback by thetouch-screen (2210), data-glove (not shown), or joystick (2205), butthere can also be tactile feedback devices that do not serve as inputdevices), audio output devices (such as: speakers (2209), headphones(not depicted)), visual output devices (such as screens (2210) toinclude CRT screens, LCD screens, plasma screens, OLED screens, eachwith or without touch-screen input capability, each with or withouttactile feedback capability—some of which may be capable to output twodimensional visual output or more than three dimensional output throughmeans such as stereographic output; virtual-reality glasses (notdepicted), holographic displays and smoke tanks (not depicted)), andprinters (not depicted).

Computer system (2200) can also include human accessible storage devicesand their associated media such as optical media including CD/DVD ROM/RW(2220) with CD/DVD or the like media (2221), thumb-drive (2222),removable hard drive or solid state drive (2223), legacy magnetic mediasuch as tape and floppy disc (not depicted), specialized ROM/ASIC/PLDbased devices such as security dongles (not depicted), and the like.

Those skilled in the art should also understand that term “computerreadable media” as used in connection with the presently disclosedsubject matter does not encompass transmission media, carrier waves, orother transitory signals.

Computer system (2200) can also include an interface to one or morecommunication networks. Networks can for example be wireless, wireline,optical. Networks can further be local, wide-area, metropolitan,vehicular and industrial, real-time, delay-tolerant, and so on. Examplesof networks include local area networks such as Ethernet, wireless LANs,cellular networks to include GSM, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE and the like, TVwireline or wireless wide area digital networks to include cable TV,satellite TV, and terrestrial broadcast TV, vehicular and industrial toinclude CANBus, and so forth. Certain networks commonly require externalnetwork interface adapters that attached to certain general purpose dataports or peripheral buses (2249) (such as, for example USB ports of thecomputer system (2200)); others are commonly integrated into the core ofthe computer system (2200) by attachment to a system bus as describedbelow (for example Ethernet interface into a PC computer system orcellular network interface into a smartphone computer system). Using anyof these networks, computer system (2200) can communicate with otherentities. Such communication can be uni-directional, receive only (forexample, broadcast TV), uni-directional send-only (for example CANbus tocertain CANbus devices), or bi-directional, for example to othercomputer systems using local or wide area digital networks. Certainprotocols and protocol stacks can be used on each of those networks andnetwork interfaces as described above.

Aforementioned human interface devices, human-accessible storagedevices, and network interfaces can be attached to a core (2240) of thecomputer system (2200).

The core (2240) can include one or more Central Processing Units (CPU)(2241), Graphics Processing Units (GPU) (2242), specialized programmableprocessing units in the form of Field Programmable Gate Areas (FPGA)(2243), hardware accelerators for certain tasks (2244), and so forth.These devices, along with Read-only memory (ROM) (2245), Random-accessmemory (2246), internal mass storage such as internal non-useraccessible hard drives, SSDs, and the like (2247), may be connectedthrough a system bus (2248). In some computer systems, the system bus(2248) can be accessible in the form of one or more physical plugs toenable extensions by additional CPUs, GPU, and the like. The peripheraldevices can be attached either directly to the core's system bus (2248),or through a peripheral bus (2249). Architectures for a peripheral businclude PCI, USB, and the like.

CPUs (2241), GPUs (2242), FPGAs (2243), and accelerators (2244) canexecute certain instructions that, in combination, can make up theaforementioned computer code. That computer code can be stored in ROM(2245) or RAM (2246). Transitional data can be also be stored in RAM(2246), whereas permanent data can be stored for example, in theinternal mass storage (2247). Fast storage and retrieve to any of thememory devices can be enabled through the use of cache memory, that canbe closely associated with one or more CPU (2241), GPU (2242), massstorage (2247), ROM (2245), RAM (2246), and the like.

The computer readable media can have computer code thereon forperforming various computer-implemented operations. The media andcomputer code can be those specially designed and constructed for thepurposes of the present disclosure, or they can be of the kind wellknown and available to those having skill in the computer software arts.

As an example and not by way of limitation, the computer system havingarchitecture (2200), and specifically the core (2240) can providefunctionality as a result of processor(s) (including CPUs, GPUs, FPGA,accelerators, and the like) executing software embodied in one or moretangible, computer-readable media. Such computer-readable media can bemedia associated with user-accessible mass storage as introduced above,as well as certain storage of the core (2240) that are of non-transitorynature, such as core-internal mass storage (2247) or ROM (2245). Thesoftware implementing various embodiments of the present disclosure canbe stored in such devices and executed by core (2240). Acomputer-readable medium can include one or more memory devices orchips, according to particular needs. The software can cause the core(2240) and specifically the processors therein (including CPU, GPU,FPGA, and the like) to execute particular processes or particular partsof particular processes described herein, including defining datastructures stored in RAM (2246) and modifying such data structuresaccording to the processes defined by the software. In addition or as analternative, the computer system can provide functionality as a resultof logic hardwired or otherwise embodied in a circuit (for example:accelerator (2244)), which can operate in place of or together withsoftware to execute particular processes or particular parts ofparticular processes described herein. Reference to software canencompass logic, and vice versa, where appropriate. Reference to acomputer-readable media can encompass a circuit (such as an integratedcircuit (IC)) storing software for execution, a circuit embodying logicfor execution, or both, where appropriate. The present disclosureencompasses any suitable combination of hardware and software.

Appendix A: Acronyms

-   JEM: joint exploration model-   VVC: versatile video coding-   BMS: benchmark set-   MV: Motion Vector-   HEVC: High Efficiency Video Coding-   SEI: Supplementary Enhancement Information-   VUI: Video Usability Information-   GOPs: Groups of Pictures-   TUs: Transform Units,-   PUs: Prediction Units-   CTUs: Coding Tree Units-   CTBs: Coding Tree Blocks-   PBs: Prediction Blocks-   HRD: Hypothetical Reference Decoder-   SNR: Signal Noise Ratio-   CPUs: Central Processing Units-   GPUs: Graphics Processing Units-   CRT: Cathode Ray Tube-   LCD: Liquid-Crystal Display-   OLED: Organic Light-Emitting Diode-   CD: Compact Disc-   DVD: Digital Video Disc-   ROM: Read-Only Memory-   RAM: Random Access Memory-   ASIC: Application-Specific Integrated Circuit-   PLD: Programmable Logic Device-   LAN: Local Area Network-   GSM: Global System for Mobile communications-   LTE: Long-Term Evolution-   CANBus: Controller Area Network Bus-   USB: Universal Serial Bus-   PCI: Peripheral Component Interconnect-   FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Areas-   SSD: solid-state drive-   IC: Integrated Circuit-   CU: Coding Unit

While this disclosure has described several exemplary embodiments, thereare alterations, permutations, and various substitute equivalents, whichfall within the scope of the disclosure. It will thus be appreciatedthat those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous systemsand methods which, although not explicitly shown or described herein,embody the principles of the disclosure and are thus within the spiritand scope thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for video encoding, comprising:generating, by processing circuitry of a video encoder, a first syntaxelement indicating a maximum number of merge motion vector prediction(MVP) candidates; encoding the first syntax element at a first codinglevel in a coded video bitstream, the first coding level being higherthan a picture parameter set (PPS) level; and transmitting the codedvideo bitstream including the first syntax element, wherein the maximumnumber of merge MVP candidates indicated by the first syntax element isapplicable for reconstructing coding blocks of the coded video bitstreamassociated with the first coding level.
 2. The method of claim 1,further comprising: including, in the coded video bitstream, a secondsyntax element, a third syntax element, and a fourth syntax elementsignaled at the first coding level, the second syntax element indicatinga maximum number of geometric merge mode merge candidates, the thirdsyntax element indicating a maximum number of subblock-based merge MVPcandidates, and the fourth syntax element indicating a maximum number ofintra block copy (IBC) merge block vector prediction (BVP) candidates.3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first coding level is a sequencelevel and the first syntax element is encoded in a sequence parameterset (SPS).
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: including, inthe coded video bitstream and based on a condition being satisfied, asecond syntax element at a second coding level, the second syntaxelement indicating a maximum number of merge candidates for one of ageometric merge mode, a subblock-based merge mode, and an intra blockcopy (IBC) merge mode.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the one of thegeometric merge mode, the subblock-based merge mode, and the IBC mergemode is the geometric merge mode; the maximum number of merge candidatesis a maximum number of geometric merge mode merge candidates; the secondsyntax element indicates the maximum number of geometric merge modemerge candidates; and the condition is the geometric merge mode beingenabled at the second coding level and the maximum number of merge MVPcandidates being larger than or equal to
 3. 6. The method of claim 4,wherein the one of the geometric merge mode, the subblock-based mergemode, and the IBC merge mode is the subblock-based merge mode; themaximum number of merge candidates is a maximum number of subblock-basedmerge MVP candidates; the second syntax element indicates the maximumnumber of subblock-based merge MVP candidates; and the condition is anaffine mode being enabled at the second coding level.
 7. The method ofclaim 4, wherein the one of the geometric merge mode, the subblock-basedmerge mode, and the IBC merge mode is the IBC merge mode; the maximumnumber of merge candidates is a maximum number of IBC merge block vectorprediction (BVP) candidates; the second syntax element indicates themaximum number of IBC merge BVP candidates; and the condition is the IBCmerge mode being enabled at the second coding level.
 8. The method ofclaim 4, wherein the first coding level and the second coding level area sequence level.
 9. The method of claim 6, wherein the second syntaxelement is modified at a coding level that is lower than the secondcoding level.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the first coding leveland the second coding level are a sequence level, and the coding levelthat is lower than the second coding level is a picture level.
 11. Anapparatus for video encoding, comprising: processing circuitryconfigured to generate a first syntax element indicating a maximumnumber of merge motion vector prediction (MVP) candidates; encode thefirst syntax element at a first coding level in a coded video bitstream,the first coding level being higher than a picture parameter set (PPS)level; and transmit the coded video bitstream including the first syntaxelement, wherein the maximum number of merge MVP candidates indicated bythe first syntax element is applicable for reconstructing coding blocksof the coded video bitstream associated with the first coding level. 12.The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the processing circuitry is furtherconfigured to: include, in the coded video bitstream, a second syntaxelement, a third syntax element, and a fourth syntax element signaled atthe first coding level, the second syntax element indicating a maximumnumber of geometric merge mode merge candidates, the third syntaxelement indicating a maximum number of subblock-based merge MVPcandidates, and the fourth syntax element indicating a maximum number ofintra block copy (IBC) merge block vector prediction (BVP) candidates.13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first coding level is asequence level and the first syntax element is signaled in a sequenceparameter set (SPS).
 14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein theprocessing circuitry is further configured to: include, in the codedvideo bitstream and based on a condition being satisfied, a secondsyntax element signaled at a second coding level, the second syntaxelement indicating a maximum number of merge candidates for one of ageometric merge mode, a subblock-based merge mode, and an intra blockcopy (IBC) merge mode.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the one ofthe geometric merge mode, the subblock-based merge mode, and the IBCmerge mode is the geometric merge mode; the maximum number of mergecandidates is a maximum number of geometric merge mode merge candidates;the second syntax element indicates the maximum number of geometricmerge mode merge candidates; and the condition is the geometric mergemode being enabled at the second coding level and the maximum number ofmerge MVP candidates being larger than or equal to
 3. 16. The apparatusof claim 14, wherein the one of the geometric merge mode, thesubblock-based merge mode, and the IBC merge mode is the subblock-basedmerge mode; the maximum number of merge candidates is a maximum numberof subblock-based merge MVP candidates; the second syntax elementindicates the maximum number of subblock-based merge MVP candidates; andthe condition is an affine mode being enabled at the second codinglevel.
 17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the one of the geometricmerge mode, the subblock-based merge mode, and the IBC merge mode is theIBC merge mode; the maximum number of merge candidates is a maximumnumber of IBC merge block vector prediction (BVP) candidates; the secondsyntax element indicates the maximum number of IBC merge BVP candidates;and the condition is the IBC merge mode being enabled at the secondcoding level.
 18. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first codinglevel and the second coding level are a sequence level.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 16, wherein the second syntax element is modified ata coding level that is lower than the second coding level.
 20. Anon-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions which, whenexecuted by a computer for video encoding, cause the computer toperform: generating a first syntax element indicating a maximum numberof merge motion vector prediction (MVP) candidates; encoding the firstsyntax element at a first coding level in a coded video bitstream, thefirst coding level being higher than a picture parameter set (PPS)level; and transmitting the coded video bitstream including the firstsyntax element, wherein the maximum number of merge MVP candidatesindicated by the first syntax element is applicable for reconstructingcoding blocks of the coded video bitstream associated with the firstcoding level.